Palm Sunday, Tsvetnitsa in Bulgarian (the word comes from tsvete, flower) is a Christian holiday loved and looked forward to by many, commemorating the Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is a moveable feast, always falling on the Sunday preceding Easter.

On this day, as he enters the holy city Christ is welcomed by the crowd with palm, olive and laurel branches, hence the name Palm Sunday, or Tsvetnitsa or Vrabnitsa (from varba, willow) in Christian Orthodoxy. The willow twigs are blessed in church, and then taken home for health.

People who observe Lent are allowed fish. The following day marks the start of Holy Week - the last days in the life of Jesus Christ when he takes upon himself all sins of the human race to redeem them.

• Tsvetnitsa – to carry the name of a flower, with wishes for youth and beauty

The religious symbols and rituals aside, Palm Sunday is also a very personal day for all Bulgarians with names meaning flowers. In this country, there are more than 360,000 people who will be celebrating their name day today with friends and family, and wishing one another health and prosperity.  

• Palm Sunday is more than a religious holiday for many Bulgarians

Compiled by Yoan Kolev

Translated from the Bulgarian and posted by Milena Daynova 

Photos: BTA, BGNES